Icing Effects on Power Lines and Anti-icing and De-icing Methods

Abstract

Icing on power lines may lead to compromise safety and reliability of electric supply network. Prolong icing can lead to power breakdown and collapse of towers. Since power transmission lines are mostly overhead and could face the direct impact of icing, and it is one of the main challenges faced by power distribution companies in cold regions. When the ice accretion crosses the safety limit then deicing action can be carried out. We can find number of deicing methods that are used in different parts of the world. However, all of these deicing techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages on implementation. It is one of the most difficult as well as dangerous process to perform deicing on power lines. If a fault is detected and that has been occurred due to icing or during routine maintenance, extra care must be taken in order to ensure safety of the personals when performing de-icing of lines. However, as technology evolved, new ways and techniques are adopted with the help of sensors that give quick feedback to control room in the national grid via wireless communication network for real time action. In the thesis we have discussed atmospheric icing impacts on power lines in the cold regions across the world. A literature review has been done for anti-icing and deicing methods that are currently adopted in the power distribution network. Methods that are used against ice buildups have also been analyzed. This work also shows the impacts of icing and deicing techniques presently adopted, and also throws light on their pros and cons during maintenance operations. It provides an overview of the evolving technology trends that are practiced to ensure the availability of existing power transmission system in cold climate regions.